Norway kids case: Uncle to get custody

New Delhi: Amidst continuing pressure from the Indian government for the release of two kids of an NRI couple, the Norwegian government on Wednesday agreed to give custody of the children to their uncle.

The uncle would have to give an undertaking in a Norwegian court that he will take full care of the children, which would be further signed by the parents and the governments of Norway and India.

The development came after External Affairs Minister SM Krishna on Monday spoke to his Norwegian counterpart after which Oslo had expressed hope of an "acceptable" settlement. However, it had however refused to give any time frame for it.

Earlier, Krishna had summoned Norway’s Charge d`Affairs Aslak Brun to reiterate India`s concerns over the separation of two children from their natural parents by the Norwegian Childcare Services which placed them under foster care.

"Given the children`s very young age, removal from the care of their natural parents and to be placed in foster care till they turn eighteen is an extreme step which should normally be a last resort. The circumstances as known to the Indian government do not appear to justify such measures in the present case," Krishna said.

Three-year-old Abhigyan and one-year-old Aishwarya, children of Anurup and Sagarika Bhattacharya, an NRI couple living in Stavanger, Norway, were taken under protective care by Barnevarne in May last on grounds that they were not looked after properly by their parents.

Barnevarne has placed them in foster parental care as per the directive of the local Norwegian court, mandated under Norwegian laws.

Meanwhile, the mother of the two said that she is extremely happy and the decision of giving the custody to her brother-in-law was taken by her and Anurup (father).

Expressing happiness over the decision the uncle said that he was open to take custody of the kids.

Grandpa and grandma of the two children also expressed happiness that the kids would be handed over to their uncle.

``This is undoubtedly a matter of great relief that
Abhigyan and Aishwarya will now be returned to their
parents and we are eager to see them back here``, said Sikha
Chakraborty to a TV channel.